Rosa Gruss An Aachen - Hybrid Tea

Rose 'Gruss An Aachen' is an old variety that was once neglected, despite its vigour and perpetual flowering, which remains of excellent quality despite the vagaries of the weather. This adorable little bush surprises with the size of its large double and flat roses, whose white-cream colour blushes pink at the centre. Capable of blooming 3 times during the season, it is covered with pearly bouquets until autumn. Its medium green and semi-evergreen foliage is very healthy. A very hardy and tender rose, which deserves to be brought back into the spotlight in a border or even in a pot!

Rosa 'Gruss An Aachen' is a very floriferous small rose created in 1909 by a breeder named Geduldig, awarded in 2002 at the World Rose Convention, as the "Most beautiful old rose". Characterized by a very compact growth, a rather spreading habit, and large flowers, it will not exceed 1m (3 to 4ft) in all directions. It should be planted in fertile soil and given time to establish well. It then produces a profusion of very double flowers, measuring 10 to 15cm (5.9in) wide, flat and widely open. Initially salmon pink, the petals fade to a creamy hue, keeping a pink blush at the centre. Their fragrance is light and pleasant. Gathered in generous clusters, they bloom on fairly dark, glossy foliage, resistant to diseases. The flowering extends from summer to frost, in successive waves. They give way to small fruits called hips.

The passion for old roses is both widespread and well-justified: these roses are not only the ancestors of our modern roses, but also the glories of our gardens. Rosa 'Gruss An Aachen' is a generous pastel rose, ideal in a romantic border. It will be given a prominent place near the house, in a pot or in the ground, near a pathway. In shrub or perennial borders, it will be enhanced by white or blue delicate flowers that are good companions for roses: Panicled Baby's Breath, valerian, panicled phlox, catmints, bellflowers, garden iris, fennel, bluebeard, Gauras and even lavender. An association with variegated dogwoods will be very inspired.